Originally Posted by ebusch

As I stated earlier, I'm in a 5th group:
5) "Morgan Stanley relationship" only w/out CPlus = Pay Amex $695

It sounds like I could open a CPlus account and maintain a min balance of $1K to join group #2 which would potentially save $35 a year ($660 for the 12x $55 monthly fees vs the plat's $695 AF), but leaving that same $1K in a HYSA at 3.5% would also earn $35 making it a wash. Unless there is some other benefit to the CPlus account I'm not really sure it's worth the effort.

Originally Posted by Boraxo

Bingo! This is me too. Though I actually have $5k sitting in an AAA account but I gather that isn't worth jack for this analysis.

I see no reason to jump through all these hoops to avoid the monthly fees - the easier course is just to eat the AF which is offset by the coupon book credits.

As noted elsewhere in my view the only reason to hold this card is for Amex airport lounge access and DL lounge access. The remaining perks are useless to me and duplicated by other cards.

And the Amex & 3rd party lounge experience has been so poor that we plan to jettison the Amex MS Plat card for P2, add P2 as the free AU, and eliminate the free AU cards for my kids. This will substantially reduce the coupon book nonsense for us.

Originally Posted by GundamWing01

thank you for catching my error.

in my mind, ur "5th group" actually fell under the 4th group. i just didnt add more details.

"4) AI only ($5k min) [getting closed 2026] = PAY MS amex plat AF"
- besides AI, i thought almost any "MS relationship" qualifies (but not ETrade) - eg AAA ($150/mo) or premier CPlus $10k (waive $15/mo)

thats why i was asking which MS accounts have qualified for MS amex plat. i think most just read various blogs and went w/ AI as the "cheapest" option. but i know pple have other MS accounts that also count as "MS relationship" for amex plat.

but since AI is getting closed, im looking at group 4 (AI alternatives) or even group 3) plat CPlus ONLY w/ $1k min balance (PAY $55/mo) = MS amex plat AF bonus deposited"

im just confused if group 3 is still possible to simply have plat CPlus, pay $55/mo and keep MS amex plat w/ AF engagement bonus without shutdown for low balance below $25k. seems $1k is enough?

Originally Posted by ebusch

I still get enough value out of the Plat to justify the cost of the AF, and as long as my pre-existing and ongoing relationship with MS allows me to hold the MS version, I'll continue to do so and take advantage of the free AU. If or when that changes, I'd still probably go back to the vanilla Plat, but I don't think I'd pay an additional $195 to keep the AU.